Below you will find the list of editorial, self-publishing, and marketing services I currently offer. If you have questions, aren’t sure which service(s) you need, or want to Frankenstein something to fit your needs, please get in touch.
I have provided pricing information wherever possible. For services more variable in nature, I am happy to quote you a price once we have discussed the scope of your project. I know that pricing can feel prohibitive to indie authors and do my best to accommodate clients whenever possible. Click here for additional information on my pricing guidelines and practices.
Editorial Services
The Meet Cute (Contact Form)
Meet cute is an old Hollywood term that refers to the first on-screen meeting of the two love interests. In our case, it will be the first time we “meet” to talk about your love story on the computer screen. Click here to fill out the Contact Form. Once I have received it, you should get a reply within 48 hours at which point we can briefly discuss you and your manuscript. I will ask you questions about length, genre/niche, steam-level, etc. to get a better understanding of where you are in the writing process and what service or services are most applicable to you.
After that we can move on to…
♥♥♥
Holding Hands (Sample Edit — Free)
A Sample Edit is just that: a sample of my editing skills applied specifically to your work. Depending on which service(s) you are interested in, I will typically request 5-15 pages of the manuscript you are working on. I will then read your work and perform my edits before returning the document to you for review. I offer this service free of charge. It’s also something I require for all new clients. Why? Ensuring we are a good fit before the work begins benefits us both.
♥♥♥
The First Kiss (Developmental Edit — $0.02 per word)
The first kiss is my favorite part of a romance story. Likewise, developmental editing is my favorite type of editing. A Developmental Edit explores the core elements of your story and is typically done earlier in the editorial process. The ideal time for this service is after you’ve finished polishing the first draft of your manuscript; however, I have performed developmental edits on partial manuscripts and books that were already published (good to consider if you want to relaunch a book/series). While I highly recommend this service for new authors or authors who are starting a new series, developmental editing can be invaluable for any writer. If you feel like something in your story isn’t working (especially if you can’t put your finger on what or why it isn’t working), this is the service you want.
Typical questions I ask when performing this type of editing:
Does your story arc work? Are there any glaring plot holes? Do your characters connect with each other? Do they connect with the reader? Is the character development believable? Does the pacing of your story work? Does the pacing of your romance beats work? Do you even have romance beats? Is the setting just background noise or are you really using it to your advantage? Have you raised the stakes enough to give your readers the satisfaction they expect from a romance book? And so many more.
What you can expect to receive with this service:
I believe that developmental editing is a hybrid process. Yes, I am looking at the big picture and overall structure of your story, but I am also anchoring my observations within your manuscript. Consequently, you will receive both a detailed letter providing an overall assessment of your story structure and a manuscript that is marked with comments to help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your story. Once you have had time to review my feedback, I am happy to meet with you for a thirty-minute chat session (this can be done on Zoom or via a chat client). During this time, we can go over any questions you have to guarantee that you understand my feedback and how to address any issues during the revision process. We can also use this time to brainstorm or bounce ideas for any changes you are making to the storyline. Once you have completely finished your revisions, I will do a second reading of your manuscript to confirm you are good to go!
Other terms you may have heard to describe this process include content edit, structural edit, story edit, etc.
Note: In order to make the most of this process (and ensure you are getting the maximum value for your money), please ensure that your manuscript is as polished as possible. While it isn’t necessary, having someone else (friend, fellow writer, alpha/beta reader, etc.) read and provide feedback on your story can help you make some of the bigger adjustments and patch up any glaring plot holes. Having those issues resolved ahead of time means I can focus on deeper-level issues.
♥♥♥
Going Steady (Copyedit — $0.03 per word)
A Copyedit gets into the nitty-gritty of your prose and addresses errors in the mechanics of your writing (cue flashbacks to English class). Traditionally, this is what most people think of as editing (and it is, but only one part of the process). Spelling, grammar, punctuation, diction, factual errors, internal consistency, uniformity, dialogue tags, formatting, and typos are all addressed and corrected with this edit. I know, I know. The technical aspects of writing are about as unsexy as it gets. Unfortunately, these are the errors that stick out to readers and can pull them out of the story. If you are on a budget and confident in your storytelling abilities, this is the most beneficial service for you to invest in. Avoiding a bad review? Now that’s sexy.
Typical questions I ask when performing this type of editing:
Are there any spelling errors? Are you misusing any words? Do you obey the laws of adjective order? Are you head-hopping? Is your POV/tense consistent throughout? Do you have any dangling modifiers? Are you using passive voice? Are you using hyphens (-), en dashes (–), and em dashes (—) appropriately? Did your FMC’s bff wistfully recount buying the first Spice Girls album in 1994 when the world wasn’t blessed with its existence until 1996? Is your FMC an accidental time traveller (i.e. are your timelines accurate)? Is your Bratva MMC’s name Dmitri or Dmitry or Dmitriy and do you stick to the same spelling throughout the book? Did a fluffy, orange cat sit on your keyboard when you weren’t looking and leave a string of dflas;djfldjsafkl;j in some random corner of your manuscript? And so many more.
What you can expect to receive with this service:
A Copyedit is more than just taking a metaphorical red pen to your manuscript. When I perform a copyedit, I want you to walk away with a polished manuscript. More than that, though, I want you to walk away equipped with knowledge that will help you avoid making the same errors going forward. With that goal in mind, you will receive a manuscript that is marked with my suggested corrections using Track Changes or the equivalent. You will also receive a detailed letter providing an overall assessment of your prose. This letter will include explanations using examples pulled from your manuscript, highlight your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and identify ways you can improve and strengthen your writing craft. When necessary, I will also provide a list of suggested resources to help solidify your understanding of writing mechanics and grammar rules. Once you have completely finished your revisions, I will do a second reading of your manuscript to confirm you are good to go! Even better? Because you’ve purchased my copyediting service, during this second reading, I will proofread your manuscript for free.
Other terms you may have heard to describe this process DSFLKJDSAF;JKSD
Note: While I can provide you with an additional copy of the manuscript that has all of my corrections and suggestions accepted, it is not something I encourage. This is your writing and your book. Part of the editing process is gaining a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. I recommend reviewing each change and comment because it 1) allows you to have a better understanding of why I am recommending these changes, 2) gives you the opportunity to decline any corrections or suggestions you might not agree with, and 3) provides you with valuable insight that you can use when making revisions.
♥♥♥
Third Base (Line Edit / Copyedit + — $0.04 per word)
Define line edit.
A Line Edit is similar to a copyedit, but addresses different elements. Both go line-by-line, but where the copyedit focuses on the technical aspects of your writing, a line edit puts a heavier emphasis on the creative aspects of your writing. Having said that, it’s difficult for me to address your style and voice if a copyedit hasn’t been performed first. Consequently, this service includes my copyediting services and line editing services
(technical) and line edit services (style)
Typical elements I
I offer this as a bun
Why do I offer this as a bundled service and not a stand-alone service?
Please note, if you elect to purchase the line edit service, this will take the place of the copyedit service. I do not recommend purchasing both and have structured my prices accordingly.
Note: While I can provide you with an additional copy of the manuscript that has all of my corrections and suggestions accepted, it is not something I encourage. This is your writing and your book. Part of the editing process is gaining a better understanding of your strengths and weakness as a writer. I recommend reviewing each change and comment because it 1) allows you to have a better understanding of why I am recommending these changes, 2) gives you the opportunity to decline any corrections or suggestions you might not agree with, and 3) provides you with valuable insight that you can use when making revisions.
♥♥♥
PDA (Proofreading — $0.01 per word)
You’ve worked so damn hard on your book and are about to share
Proofreading is
what most people are thinking of when they hear
After this stage has been completed, we are ready to display your work to the public!
Please note, I provide this service free of charge for clients who select the copyedit or line edit services as part of my second pass.
Celebratory champagne not included, but highly encouraged.
♥♥♥
Go All the Way (Bundle — Prices vary based on which services you select to bundle)
Are you interested in purchasing more than one service for your book? I’m flattered! And, as they say, flattery will get you everywhere. Everywhere in this case being a discount. Get in touch with me to discuss which services you are interested in bundling and I can provide you with a discounted price quote.
♥♥♥
Put A Ring On It (Reserve A Spot — $150)
Want to ensure I am available to edit your next book? You can pay a fee to guarantee I keep my schedule open for you. Reservation fees are non-refundable, but the balance will be applied as a credit to your next project’s invoice. A timeline for your next manuscript must be discussed before purchase.
♥♥♥
Shotgun Wedding (Rush/Expedited Fee — Price TBD)
Shit happens. Maybe your normal editor is booked or on hiatus. Life prevented you from keeping to your writing schedule. The dog ate your romance manuscript. Whatever the reason, I won’t judge. If you have an urgent deadline such as an Amazon pre-order that you don’t want to miss, get in touch. I will do my best to work you into my current rotation. Price is highly variable and will depend on the length of your project, the quality of the writing, the service(s) you are requesting, and turnaround time. Skip the contact form and email me directly at amber@kissandtaleedits.com. Please include “URGENT REQUEST” in the title of your email.
For more information on the different editing stages, click here to read my Editing Stages 101 blog post.
♥♥♥
Self-Publishing Services
The Book of Love (Series Bible — $75+ for Book I of a series, $40 for each subsequent book)
A series bible is a guide that helps you organize all the information about the characters and universe within your series.
♥♥♥
Love Letter (Blurb Writing
dsfalsdf;dlsa
♥♥♥
xoxo (Formatting — $50 / $100 / $140)
Please note that the client is expected to furnish any images including, but not limited to, the book cover. If you need someone to design a cover for you, I am happy to recommend people I have worked with in the past, but I do not offer that service at this time.
♥♥♥
Amazon
Ahh, Amazon. That coy mistress of fortune.
Categories, author pages, book pages, series pages.
♥♥♥
Marketing Services
Opposites Attract (Reader Magnets —
Reader magnets are what attract new and existing readers to join your mailing list. You’re asking for prime real estate in their (already overcrowded) inbox
which means you want to offer your readers something These can range from bonus chapters, epilogues, deleted scenes, free ebooks, games, printables (think bookmarks, world maps, etc.), recipes, curated Spotify playlists,
Ideally, they should be exclusive so readers are motivated to join your list.
♥♥♥
Enemies to Lovers (Mailing List — Email Sequencing
dfdsfsa
♥♥♥
Fated Mates (Mailing List — Newsletter Content Creation
dsfsdaf
♥♥♥
Instalove (Social Media — Content Creation
dsfdsaf
♥♥♥
Arranged Marriage (Media Kits
sdfkjhsakfdjsa
♥♥♥
Second Chance (Relaunch
dsfsd
♥♥♥
Book Coaching
We all get lost at some point or another. Maybe you are halfway through a book and have no idea how to finish it. Maybe you’re on the third book of a series and need someone to help you weave together all those loose ends. Maybe instead of loose ends your story has become its own Gordian knot. Book a one-on-one session and, like Ariadne’s clew, I will help guide you safely from the labyrinth of your plot. I can’t promise we won’t have to confront the Minotaur, but I do promise to grab the bull by the horns while you shout insults from a safe distance. Prices vary, but my mercurial nature has been known to blow generously to those who appeal to my problem-solving abilities.
